Diabetes Mellitus is a metabolic disorder caused due to the abnormal function of the pancreas which leads to either insufficient or absence of insulin in the body. Like every other hormone, insulin is vital for the human body to digest the sugar from the food properly. It is required for the proper utilization of carbohydrates in the human body. It helps the body to store the sugar in the form of glucose and gives the energy needed for functioning normally.

Diabetes occurs in the human body when it is not able to process, store or create the required amount of insulin. This improper functioning of insulin leads the carbohydrates to accumulate and circulate in the bloodstream in the form of glucose. This excess glucose is secreted in the urine and is one of the primary characteristics of Diabetes mellitus.

What are the causes of diabetes?
Many factors can cause Diabetes Mellitus in an individual, but the primary factors are improper lifestyle and diet. The other factors that cause diabetes are:
1. Excessive intake of foods which are heavy to digest,
2. Fried foods, creamy and sweet food.
3. Lack of physical exertion
4. Excess stress,
5. Overeating that results in obesity,
6. Sleeping during day time,
7. Excess intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates and
8. Hereditary factors.

Diabetes is also known as Prameha or Madhumeha in Ayurveda. According to Ayurveda, it is divided into 20 types based on the dosha predominance, to sum up, four types caused due to vata, six types because of pitta and ten types because of Kapha predominance. The treatment for diabetes in Ayurveda depends upon the individual’s predominant dosha.

Lifestyle:
►Waking up early and early sleep time should be the first change in lifestyle when it comes to treatment for diabetes.
►Day time sleep (divaswapanam) should be avoided.
►It is recommended to have dinner at least 2 hours before going to bed.
►Regular exercise should be part of the individual’s daily routine.
►Brisk walking in the morning for 30—40 mins is vital when undergoing treatment for diabetes.
►Asanas for diabetes – Bhujangasana, Dhanurasana, Halasana, Sarvangasana, etc. Yogic postures will help in squeezing abdominal muscles and help in the proper functioning of the pancreas.